Do you live to work, or work to live? While passion fuels success, an unhealthy attachment to your job can harm your well-being. Here are four signs you might be too emotionally invested in your work, according to Forbes contributor and licensed therapist, Melody Wilding, LMSW:
Criticism stings
You see negative feedback as a personal attack, leaving you feeling insecure and dwelling on it for days. Remember, there’s a difference between criticising you and criticising your work. To gain perspective, try Wilding’s suggestion: divide a sheet of paper into four columns. Write down the exact feedback, what you think is inaccurate about it, potentially helpful aspects, and finally, your next steps.
Work follows you home
You struggle to disconnect after hours, with your mind constantly buzzing with to-dos. Always being “on” is detrimental to your well-being and, ironically, your performance. Establish boundaries by setting an alarm for your workday’s end, turning off work devices, and creating a transition routine, such as listing tasks for the next day.
You’re a people pleaser
You prioritize others’ needs over your own, agreeing to everything and taking on excessive responsibility. This can lead to feeling overworked, underappreciated, and resentful. Practise self-awareness by noticing when you take on too much and pay attention to situations that spark resentment.
Work defines your identity
Your job title is synonymous with your self-worth. Losing your job feels like losing yourself. To cultivate a healthier sense of self, explore hobbies and activities unrelated to your work, building an identity independent of your professional achievements.
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If you fall under those mentioned four signs, then it means you are too emotionally attached to your work and it you don not like it, it is high time you changed this and broke that chain.
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